I'm not sure what to think about these Craftsman Boxes. In my opinion they are very nice looking boxes from three feet away. The finish is nice, welds look ok, sheet metal bends are crisp. The quality control is good.
Now, on the other hand, they are a lightweight box. Thin sheet metal, so so drawer slides. Overall a little flimsy. I don't make a living with my tools so it would last for 30 years no problem.
I've got the 40" Heavy Duty Premium combo on lay-away to the hold 50% off price. I'm thinking I won't go through with it and may very well settle for a Menard's box.
I'm going to the local NAPA auto store tonight to look at a Homak. Northern tool has what looks like a nice combo 41" box that will be $599.00 on BF.
I checked out the 44" at HF, and it is a very solid box. I'm a little too into aesthetics and don't want a red box so it won't work for me. But damn, you can't beat the price for what you get.
I think we're in similar boats, or at least we're looking at similar items.
The HF as a box, aesthetics not withstanding is the best value of the bunch. However, I
hate red toolboxes. That being said, I own one because I bought it for tool storage, not a fashion show. And then...I plan on painting the box grey and leaving the drawers red. (think retro Craftsman). I can live with that, and actually think it will look pretty cool.
The Menards boxes are a good second choice though and allow you to get some different color options, like black
, blue, menards green, or red. Me, I'd get black.
Which brings me back to the Craftsman boxes I just bought for $200. They're on the lightweight side, smaller and the top is not full depth? Why on earth did I buy them? Odd storage of things like table saw blades, screwdriver bits, files, chisels, temp sensor, moisture meter, volt meter, router bits, ect. All that stuff has to go somewhere, right? I think if you're planning on loading it down with the 299 pc socket set, you might be in trouble, but if you're storing things like utility knives and pencils, you'll be in great shape for the money.
My dilemma is do I really want a box that can only store certain items. Would I be better off with the HF 26" for an extra $130? Or would I be better off getting another 44', though it doesn't suit those needs very well.
